Live Younger

Bell Peppers Are Not Just Another Pretty Face

Sweet Bell Peppers come in the prettiest colors! Most varieties start off as green and then gradually change to red, yellow, orange or even a chocolate hue. This colorful food not only adds visual interest to meals, it also contributes to our probability of LIVING YOUNGER because of its incredible nutrient density, including a delicious array of vitamins and minerals. Savor the flavor and remember, Bell Peppers are not just another pretty face!

The hallmark phytonutrients or “plant chemicals” found in Bell Peppers are the 30 members of the carotenoid family. These are the vibrantly-colored pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their gorgeous color. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants with strong cancer-fighting properties. A daily intake of antioxidants functions to protect cells from “free radicals”. That’s important to all of us because free radicals disrupt DNA and work to destroy cell membranes. Healthy cell membranes are essential to health because they move beneficial, energy-producing nutrients in and push waste products out.

Some carotenoids are converted to Vitamin A, necessary for cell growth and health vision. Bell Peppers are a great source of lutein, especially the orange and yellow/orange variety. The red ones have more total carotene content. It’s always best to get your antioxidants from food first, which have benefits beyond just vitamins. The different colors of sweet Bell Peppers are based on their variety and stage of development.

Bell Peppers are members of the “nightshade family” which are a group of vegetables that includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. These vegetables are healthy for the majority of people but can trigger an immune reaction in those susceptible. Interestingly, Ashwagandha (also called Indian Ginseng) is also a member of the nightshade family. People with leaky gut/permeable bowel challenges are mostly at risk and can include individuals with some autoimmune disorders. Additionally, a subset of people with chronic pain benefit from eliminating nightshades from their life. The best way to find out if you are susceptible is to avoid eating nightshade foods for 30 days.

When possible, purchase organic Bell Peppers or grow your own. Since they have thin skins, pesticide residues are harder to remove. They are among the worst offenders on the “Dirty Dozen” list of foods most highly contaminated when conventionally grown. Even foods that are grown organically can have residues of DDT and related “persistent” chemicals in the environment. DDT has been banned in the United States for over 40 years but it’s virtually impossible to get rid of. Look for Bell Peppers that are “heavy” for their size. That’s a sign of freshness.

Bell Peppers are not just another pretty face. They are versatile and delicious. LIVE YOUNGER by enjoying their beauty and flavor-enhancing benefits for every cell in your body. Give your body the real food that it craves for health and vitality. START SOMEWHERE increasing your daily intake of raw or lightly sauteed Bell Peppers. You can do it. I will help you.

Bell Peppers Are Not Just Another Pretty Face

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Dr. Debbie Ozment is a national speaker on the Oral Systemic Link and other wellness topics. A graduate of Oklahoma University College of Dentistry (OUCOD), she has been a private practice dentist since 1985. Dr. Ozment served as a part-time clinical instructor for seven years at OUCOD and recently served on the Board of Directors of Ministries of Jesus, an outreach clinic in Edmond, Oklahoma. Currently, Dr. Ozment is completing her masters degree in anti-aging medicine and metabolic nutrition at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Additionally, she is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach. In her daily practice, her commitment is early diagnosis and intervention of oral disease to positively effect not only the mouth, but the entire body.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product